Purchasing Manager - Direct Hire
Location: Monterey Park, CA (Onsite, Full-Time)
Compensation: $75,000-$90,000 annually
Industry Experience Required: Floral, Plant, or Nursery industry
About the Role
Ultimate Staffing Services is actively seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to lead procurement operations for a fast-paced floral/plant-focused organization. This role is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing inventory levels to support ongoing production, merchandising, and distribution needs. The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of the floral or nursery supply chain, strong vendor relationships, and a proactive, hands-on approach to inventory planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, vendor selection, pricing negotiation, and purchase order execution.
- Maintain optimal inventory levels across floral, plant, and/or nursery categories to support production and peak seasonal demand.
- Build and manage strong relationships with growers, distributors, and specialty suppliers.
- Monitor market trends, seasonal availability, cost fluctuations, and logistical challenges particular to the floral/nursery sector.
- Evaluate vendor performance to ensure quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
- Collaborate closely with operations, production, merchandising, and finance teams to forecast purchasing needs.
- Track KPIs and analyze purchasing data to support cost-saving initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, product specifications, and delivery schedules.
- Oversee receiving processes and resolve discrepancies with shipments, quality, or invoicing.
Qualifications
- Required: 3-5+ years of purchasing experience in the floral, plant, or nursery industry (growers, floral supply, live plants, foliage, or similar).
- Strong understanding of perishables management, seasonal availability, and vendor networks within the floral/plant ecosystem.
- Proven negotiation skills with a track record of reducing costs or improving supply reliability.
- Strong analytical and forecasting abilities.
- Proficiency with procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Work Environment
- Onsite, Monday-Friday
- Collaborative operations environment with occasional peak-season overtime
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.